Title

Author

Date of Award

Document Type

Degree Comments

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Criminal Justice in the Graduate College of Bridgewater State University, 2016.

Degree Program

Criminal Justice

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Although there is a plethora of research focusing on college sexual assault victimization and risk factors respectively, few studies have specifically examined the location of these incidents as a risk factor. Among the few studies examining sexual assault location, the researchers determined college students are more likely to be victimized off-campus. Fisher, Cullen and Turner (2000) found that 66.3% of sexual assaults of college-aged females took place off-campus compared to 33.7% that occurred on-campus (Fisher et al., 2000). In a similar study, Nobles, Fox, Khey and Lizotte (2012) examined the role of location in college crime (including sexual assault). The researchers discovered very few crimes occurred on campus but many of these crimes were located very close to campus (Nobles et al., 2012) Based on these studies, the location of college sexual assault deserves attention. The purpose of this research is to examine whether the location of college sexual assault (on or off-campus) increases the risk for sexual assault victimization among college students. Specifically, using Lifestyle-Routine Activities Theory as a framework (Cohen, Kluegel, & Land, 1981), this research will analyze secondary data to determine whether female college students are more likely to be victimized off-campus.